From Behind the Scenes to Center Stage: The Director’s Chair and It’s History

The director’s chair. A symbol of power, authority, and the creative vision that brings a film to life. But beyond its functional purpose on set, this seemingly simple piece of furniture boasts a rich history intertwined with the evolution of cinema itself. Let’s delve into the fascinating story of the director’s chair, from its humble beginnings to its iconic status in Hollywood.

A Seat with History

The Director’s Chair has deep historical roots. While its modern association is with filmmaking, its basic structure can be traced over three millennia ago  back to ancient Egypt, pre-Roman Etruria and elsewhere. The “curule chair,” perhaps the most widely documented foldable seat, symbolized power and status. ‘X’ structure, but had curved legs and sometimes no backrest was reserved for high ranking public officials and military leaders.

Miniatures in medieval manuscripts depict kings and abbots seated on folding chairs. Often adorned with draperies and cushions, and equipped with a footstool, these chairs were symbols of authority.

Even Lucifer, the ‘authority’ of Hell, was often depicted with his own ‘living’ folding chair. However, the construction of the sella curulis chair evolved during the Middle Ages. The medieval sella curulis is typically crafted from wood and lavishly decorated.

The four upper ends of the chair often feature carved animal heads, such as dogs, lions, or dragons. The feet of the folding chair are also intricately carved, often depicting animal feet or heads, and may even be made of bronze. All surviving medieval sella curuli exhibit vibrant colors, with paint schemes featuring vivid reds and greens, or even gilded surfaces.

In the 19th century, this concept evolved when The Gold Medal Camp Furniture Company introduced their version at the 1893 Chicago World’s Fair, earning an award for its practical and elegant design, a Gold Medal for Excellence in Design. Today, the company is still family-owned and operates out of Tennessee, offering a whopping 1,400 variations of the classic director chair so you can customize yours based on the wood finish, canvas color, width, and height of your choice.

Its functional simplicity a collapsible wooden frame and canvas seat made it the perfect companion for film sets, where mobility and comfort are key. Before long, it became a favorite of Hollywood’s biggest names.

The first film ever to wrap in Hollywood, California is thought to be The Count Of Monte Cristo in 1908,  maybe the director’s chair travelled to Tinsel Town along with the crew!

“Pictures are for entertainment; messages should be delivered by Western Union”. Said Sam Goldwyn, one of the producers of The Count Of Monte Cristo.

The director’s chair is a silent storyteller, is a canvas for communication. Its fabric back, a blend of function and form, provides the perfect backdrop for messages. Traditionally a space for honoring the creative team, it now offers a unique avenue for businesses to express their brand identity.

Hollywood and the Director’s Chair: An Unbreakable Bond

From the golden age of cinema to today’s sets, the Director’s Chair has been a behind-the-scenes staple. It has appeared in iconic films like Quentin Tarantino’s Once Upon a Time in Hollywood and series like Feud, where the leads lounged in personalized chairs bearing their names. Even in biopics such as Hitchcock (2012), the Director’s Chair visually connects audiences to the essence of filmmaking.

Beyond the Film Set

Today, the Director’s Chair transcends the movie industry and finds its place in homes, offices, and events. Here are some ideas to incorporate it into your spaces:

• At home: A Director’s Chair can add a touch of minimalistic, vintage style to your decor.
• At events: Personalized with your logo, it’s ideal for trade shows or as seating for panelists at conferences.
• In commercial spaces: Cafés, bars, and offices benefit from its practical design and cultural connection to creativity.
• As promotional gifts: A customized chair is a unique giveaway that reinforces your brand while offering practical value.